What does Luke 17:26 mean?

Explanation

The verse from Luke 17:26, which states, "And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." refers to the biblical account of Noah and the Flood as a kind of parallel to the time of the Second Coming of Jesus, the Son of Man.

It implies that just as people in Noah's time were unaware of the impending catastrophe and continued with their daily lives until the flood came and took them all away, similarly, people will be oblivious to the approach of the final Judgment Day.

It underscores a suddenness and a lack of preparedness among people when significant divine interventions occur.

Historical Context

The Gospel according to Luke was written to a primarily Gentile-Christian audience sometime between 60 and 90 AD.

The Lukan community was experiencing delays in the promised Second Coming, leading to questions about when it would happen and what signs would precede it.

Jesus' description using Noah's time as a reference point served as a reminder to maintain vigilance because the end times could come unexpectedly, just as the Flood in Noah's time was unforeseen by many.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, this verse is typically understood in the context of eschatology (the study of the end times).

It serves as a warning to be constantly prepared for Jesus' return, highlighting the unpredictable timing of the event.

The comparison to Noah's days emphasizes human tendencies towards complacency and skepticism regarding divine warnings.

Different Christian denominations and theologians may interpret the verse’s urgency and imminence in varying ways, with some emphasizing the need for ongoing repentance and others focusing on the unpredictability of the end times.

Practical Applications

This verse challenges individuals to assess their daily conduct and readiness for spiritual accountability.

It can motivate believers to live righteously and faithfully, with an awareness of the transient nature of life and the eternal significance of their actions.

In practical terms, the verse can lead to greater emphasis on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and ethical living, as well as a call to evangelism and expressing concern for the spiritual welfare of others.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:37-39: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
• Genesis 6:5-7: The description of humanity's wickedness which precipitates the flood in Noah's time.
• 2 Peter 2:5: "And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;"

Language Study

Key words in this verse in the original Greek text include:

• "Noe": Greek Νῶε (Noe), referring to Noah from the Old Testament.
• "Son of man": A title Jesus often used for himself, taken from the Greek phrase "υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (huios tou anthropou).

Analyzing these terms in their original language provides dimension to their significance as references to biblical characters and themes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparative mythology often explores flood narratives, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh from Mesopotamia or the Hindu story of Manu.

These stories show a widespread motif of a great flood serving as divine judgment while a select few are spared.

The Christian concept of the Second Coming, while distinct in its theological implications, shares with these myths the theme of divine reckoning and a call to moral accountability.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, there is interest in understanding historical floods and their impact on collective human memory and myth-making.

While the verse is not concerned with scientific accuracy, modern geology and archaeology have shed light on various local and regional floods that could have influenced ancient flood narratives.

Nevertheless, the biblical account remains primarily a theological and moral teaching rather than a historical or scientific document.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians bring varying interpretations to this verse.

Some, like Matthew Henry, emphasize the suddenness of God's judgment and the importance of watchfulness in the life of a Christian.

Theologians with a preterist viewpoint might argue that this verse was relevant to the immediate audience anticipating the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Futurists, however, would claim that it refers to events yet to come, and therefore instill a sense of watchful expectancy and preparedness for the end times.